Tesla has begun inviting selected customers in the United States to purchase its fully autonomous Cybercab for personal use, marking a major step towards bringing driverless vehicles into private ownership.
The futuristic two-seater electric vehicle, which has no steering wheel or pedals, is priced at US$29,990, with buyers required to pay an additional US$299 per month for Tesla’s autonomous driving subscription.
According to Reuters, Tesla announced the move on Friday, opening orders to a limited number of customers as it prepares to expand its autonomous vehicle business beyond its Robotaxi fleet.
Unlike conventional vehicles, the Cybercab is designed to operate entirely through autonomous driving technology, eliminating the need for a human driver.
However, private owners will initially be restricted to using the vehicle within designated areas where Tesla’s Robotaxi service operates. The vehicle cannot be driven manually outside these approved locations.
Customers must also pay a non-refundable deposit of US$1,000 to place an order, with initial deliveries estimated to begin in December 2026.
The mandatory US$299 monthly subscription would add US$3,588 annually to the cost of ownership. Without an active subscription, the vehicle cannot operate.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the monthly subscription fee was too high, suggesting it should be closer to US$115, in line with the company’s existing Full Self-Driving and connectivity services.
Musk also indicated that the Cybercab would become available across the United States as regulatory approvals are obtained.
Tesla’s head of artificial intelligence, Ashok Elluswamy, said privately owned Cybercabs would be capable of operating without human supervision in the same geographical areas covered by the company’s Robotaxi service.
The Cybercab features a futuristic gold-coloured exterior, two passenger seats and butterfly-style doors.
Despite the launch of private sales, regulatory questions remain over the vehicle’s compliance with US safety standards, particularly because it lacks conventional driving controls.
The development represents a significant milestone in Tesla’s ambition to transform personal transportation through fully autonomous electric vehicles. (Newswire)
